There's no question senior I-back Rex Burkhead will be the top of the depth chart. The only question going into his final season of the Huskers is where he will end up on the all-time rushing list for Nebraska. For now, Burkhead is just enjoying the ride.

"For me, I'm going to be a Husker football player once in my life, so I'm having fun with it," Burkhead said.

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Burkhead said he thinks about how fortunate he is every day. He's not taking his time with the Huskers for granted.

"I feel like it was just yesterday that I arrived on campus, so you constantly think about that," he said. "It drives you day in and day out. I need to make the most out of this day, this practice, this rep and make sure I leave this university on the right foot."

Burkhead has already left a footprint in the Nebraska record book, carrying 36 times against Iowa last season -- an all-time single game high. Burkhead didn't want to take the final handoff in that game -- a sign of his respect for the Big Red tradition.

"There are so many great running backs that have played here before," he said. "It's hard to believe that my name is mentioned out there."

Now Burkhead is focused on another number -- 11 -- that's the number of years it's been since Nebraska won a championship -- the second-longest stretch in the program's history. As the Texas native puts it, this season is different.

"Oh yeah, there's definitely a different feel," he said. "The guys are confident, they're comfortable and what we're continuing to do that."

The running back said he has all the confidence in the world with the guys that are backing him up.

"They are as good a group of running backs that I've ever been around," said Burkhead. "They're all great backs and they will continue to be great backs for the couple of years that they are here."

For now, the Nebraska offense runs through No. 22, and if it runs well enough, Nebraska's fourth Heisman Trophy could be in waiting. But thinking about a trip to New York at the end of the season just isn't Burkehead's style.

"I've never been one who wants the added attention," he said. "The Heisman stuff and individual accolades kind of take care of themselves. My main focus is the team and I just want to win a Big Ten title."